Ashby Discusses Historic Preservation in Orlando

Partner Kim Ashby was quoted in an Orlando Sentinel article, “Building Owners Weigh Preservation vs. Demolition,” covering how preserving downtown Orlando buildings ignites nearby neighborhoods in addition to keeping the buildings’ charm and character alive. The City of Orlando currently has multiple landmarks for sale, including the Church Street Exchange, Grand Avenue Elementary and the former Orlando Ballet building. The act of preserving buildings, or ‘adaptive reuse,’ instead of demolishing them is becoming increasingly popular in cities across the country.

After pointing out prior central Florida preservations including the former Orange County Courthouse’s renovation into a history museum and historical houses becoming Winter Park cultural venues, Ashby stated that “[preserving the buildings instead of demolishing them] not only repurposes the building; it repurposes the neighborhood and the whole community.”

Read the full article here.